Hawk expected to re-sign with Packers today

The Green Bay Packers released A.J. Hawk yesterday. Now the two sides appear to be close to a new deal today. They have until 11pm tonight to get a deal finalized, avoiding an interruption by a possible work stoppage with an expiring collective bargaining agreement.

With Desmond Bishop already signing a contract extension during the season, Hawk’s deal could mean the end for either Nick Barnett or Brandon Chillar, both of whom are coming off of season ending surgeries.

Barnett is set to earn around $6-million in 2011.

The Packers won’t have to make that decision for awhile though. If there is a work stoppage, which appears likely, the Packers won’t have to make any moves until they know of there will be a salary cap in place for next season and just how high that cap will be.